Nick Cafardo's Sox-Rays ALCS matchups breakdown

Managers

Joe Maddon (pictured) will likely win Manager of the Year for leading the Rays to a 31-win improvement from last season. He made all of the right bullpen moves in the ALDS. Terry Francona is as steady as there is in handling his team and making in-game decisions. Maddon has been to the postseason before as a coach with the Angels, but he's navigating new waters as a manager. He's done a great job keeping the Rays' clubhouse as loose as it was during the regular season. Maddon's managing of the bullpen will likely decide his team's fate. So far he's been able to get by without a bona fide closer. Francona's won two championships and has a great pulse on his team.